Iggy interviews a Professional Television Host

Today I’m interviewing Derick who interviewed me and mom! We got to talk about my books and my website at the studio where he works.

Derick is a Rogers TV host…he gives people and hippos a chance to tell viewers about their life, business and special interests.

Today, we’ll discover more about this man by asking him some questions!

Hi Derick! Thanks so much for agreeing to this interview today!

Where were you born?

I was born in Ottawa. It was the city of Nepean at that time. I grew up in Arlington Woods

What special memory do you have as a kid growing up?

Spending time in nature. Our home backed onto a creek, and we spent many summers at my Uncle Eric and Aunt Nancy’s cottage.

What steps led you to your job as a TV host?

I had been doing Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre, some local films & voices for video games when my step-mother saw an ad in the paper for a local television show called Daytime Ottawa, that was looking for a new co-host. I applied and competed against four others for the job.

What do you like best about your job?

Meeting people and helping them share their stories. I love that for many of our guests, our show is the first time they have been on tv. I take a lot of pride in making them feel comfortable.

Do you have other jobs that involve radio or television?

I host a lot of events and I’m also a professional, motivational speaker, TEDx speaker, and a live auctioneer.

Do you have any hobbies?

I love watching movies, reading, cooking, and home renovations.

Do you like to play sports?

I love sports. I grew up playing football, rugby, squash, soccer, swimming, and diving. Currently, I love curling, badminton, ping-pong, cross-country skiing, and walking/hiking.

What’s your favorite ice-cream flavour?

I love chocolate ice-cream.

What’s your favorite kind of pizza?

Bacon, hot peppers, and pineapple. I love the salty, spicy, and sweetness of the combination.

Who inspires you?

My Dad and my wife Monika. My Dad for his amazing advice and motivation. My wife Monika for her knowledge, discipline, and ability to design and create almost anything.

What’s a special place you’ve visited?

Italy and Spain.

What’s a place you dream of going to someday?

I would love to visit Greece and go Scuba Diving almost anywhere in the world.

Who would you love to hang out with for a day?

I would love to hang out with the Miami Dolphins. I’ve been a fan of the Dolphins since the age of six and I’ve always wanted to spend a day at their facility, watching practice, and talking to the GM, coach, and players.

What advice would you give to a kid if they wanted to be a television host?

Build up your resume, even if it means working for free. There are many independent film opportunities and community theatre productions to get involved with. Building up your resume gives you experience and more importantly, gives you credibility. I would also suggest volunteering at Rogers TV and creating your own content.

Thank you so much for answering all of my questions today Derick. I hope we get to meet again someday!